In 2020, the Tour de France will pass through Charente, an event not to be missed if you have booked your hotel on Île de Ré. This 10th stage of the 2020 Tour is especially unique and highly anticipated as, for the first time, it will connect two islands: Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré. The route of this stage was presented to the local representatives of the municipalities involved, from Château-d'Oléron to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, passing through many coastal towns on the mainland, including Marennes, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, La Tremblade, Royan, Rochefort, Châtelaillon-Plage, and La Rochelle. The event is scheduled for July 7, 2020.
The Four Bridges Stage
Nicknamed "the Four Bridges Stage," this 10th stage offers riders a nearly 170 km route through Charente-Maritime, crossing the bridge of Île d'Oléron, the Seudre Viaduct, the Martrou Viaduct, and the bridge of Île de Ré. In total, 43 municipalities are involved. Château-d'Oléron will host the starting point of the race. Cyclists will head south towards Marennes, La Tremblade, La Palmyre, and Saint-Palais. In Royan, they will turn north towards Rochefort, passing through Marennes again. Riders will then follow the coastline to La Rochelle, pass through its old port, and cross the bridge to Île de Ré. On Île de Ré, the stage will traverse Rivedoux-Plage, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, and La Flotte-en-Ré. The finish line will be in Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
A Stage by the Sea
This 10th stage of the Tour de France, unique in its kind, offers a permanent view of the ocean. A particularly pleasant setting for the riders, as well as for the spectators on-site and for viewers around the world following the televised broadcast. Between the coastline, salt marshes, and Vauban fortifications, the heritage along the route will be exceptional.
The Challenge: Cycling Against the Wind
Cycling enthusiasts and fans will also be drawn to the sporting challenge posed by this unique stage. The roads along the coastline are notoriously windy: conditions the riders will need to master and incorporate into their race strategy. The peloton may likely be broken into small groups, making this stage potentially decisive!
The Tour Returns to Charente-Maritime After 17 Years
Charente-Maritime last hosted the Tour de France in 2003. After a 17-year absence, the region welcomes the riders back for a highly anticipated stage with an original route. Cyclists will arrive on Monday, July 6, for a rest day following the 9th stage. They will resume the race from Châtelaillon-Plage on July 8 for the 11th stage heading towards Poitiers.
See You on July 7 and 8 for the 2020 Tour de France
The two days of July 7 and 8 will provide an opportunity to see the world’s best cyclists ride through Charente-Maritime, as well as enjoy family-friendly activities: the starting village in Château d’Oléron on Tuesday and in Châtelaillon-Plage on Wednesday, the caravan procession, and, of course, the special moment of the stage’s finish and podium in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Visitors can choose to watch from the coastal roads to see the riders pass, settle in La Rochelle’s old port to enjoy the caravan and various activities, or head to Île de Ré to await the cyclists at the finish line.